PDA Primer Helping you through the handheld marketplace

Palmtops, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and PIMs (personalinformation managers) are the rage among techno-savvyentrepreneurs. These devices are often the size of a pocketcalculator but deliver the features and abilities of a desktopcomputer. These gems function as electronic calendars, addressbooks and scheduling tools. Several of them offer word processing,wireless fax, Internet access and more. Through an infrared orcable interface, you can exchange data between a PDA and yourdesktop computer, allowing you to "take it with you."

These devices range from $200 to more than $1,000. Take the timeto find a store with several display models before purchasing one.Some of the leading vendors in this category include Palm, Casio,Compaq, Handspring and Hewlett-Packard.

As long as you remember they're no substitute for a desktopcomputer, but rather a supplement to these machines, they're agreat addition to your business's equipment team.

Excerpted from Start Your Own Business: The Only Start-Up GuideYou'll Ever Need

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Most Popular

See all
Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

By Eve Gumpel
Leadership

7 Steps to De-Risking Big Business Decisions Before They Backfire

When the stakes are high, these seven steps can help you avoid costly mistakes, eliminate bias and make smarter decisions that actually scale.

By Adam Horlock
Leadership

The Difference Between Entrepreneurs Who Survive Crises and Those Who Don't

In a business world accelerated by AI, visibility alone is fragile. Here's how strategic silence and consistency can turn reputation into your most powerful asset.

By Gio Talente
Employee Experience & Recruiting

Here's the Real Reason Your Employees Are Checked Out — And the Missing Link That Could Fix It

Most disengaged employees aren't exhausted — they're disconnected, and storytelling may be the key to rebuilding that connection.

By LaQuita Cleare
Business News

United Airlines Says It Is Adding Extra Flights in Case Spirit 'Suddenly Goes Out of Business'

Rival airlines, including United and Frontier, are adding new routes as Spirit cuts 12 cities from its schedule.

By Erin Davis
Business News

You Can Get Paid $18,000 More a Year By Adding AI Skills to Your Resume, According to a New Study

Employers are emphasizing AI skills — and are willing to pay a lot more if you have them.

By Sherin Shibu